When we keep taxes low, spending in check, and our economy open -
conditions that empower businesses to create new jobs - all Americans
benefit. Census Bureau data released today confirms that more of our
citizens are doing better in this economy, with continued rising incomes
and more Americans pulling themselves out of poverty.

The Census data shows that income gains in 2006 were substantial and
widespread across all income categories. And the largest percentage
income gains occurred for people in the bottom 20% of incomes.

The data also shows that poverty levels improved significantly, with
nearly half a million fewer people living below the poverty line in 2006
than in 2005. Moreover, the poverty rate in 2006 was lower than all but
one year in the 1980s and 1990s.

The Census data also shows that challenges remain in reducing the number
of uninsured Americans. Containing costs and making health insurance
more affordable is the best way to reverse this long-term trend. I have
put forth a reform proposal that would fairly distribute the tax
advantages to purchasing health insurance - encouraging more workers to
purchase their own health insurance.

What American workers do not need right now are tax increases to fuel
excess spending by the Congress. I encourage Democratic leaders in
Congress to resist their urge to increase taxes on Americans and to live
within the budget limits I've proposed. It's vital that we do not
undermine an economy that has created more than 8.2 million new jobs
over the past four years and is improving standards of living for so
many American families.